“My son, be wise, and make my heart glad that I may answer him who reproaches me…The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him” (Proverbs 27:11, 23:24).
The investment of time, love, and unselfishness a parent makes for a child is monumental. Eighteen years of daily parenting is a long time. Many hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties are wrapped up in every offspring. Few things gladden the heart of a parent like a grown child who has chosen to pursue wisdom. “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother” (Prov. 10:1).
Imagine the gladness in your Heavenly Father’s heart when you consistently choose to pursue wisdom. You are living wisely, because…
- You are not a sluggard (Prov. 6:6).
- You receive instruction (Prov. 1:5, 8:33, 9:9).
- You love those who rebuke you (Prov. 9:8, 15:31, 17:10).
- You are industrious (Prov. 10:5).
- You fear the Lord and depart from evil (Prov. 3:7, 14:16).
- You receive, seek, and store up knowledge (Prov. 21:11, 8:15, 10:14).
- You restrain your lips (Prov. 10:19).
- You win souls (Prov. 11:30).
- You heed counsel (Prov. 12:15, 19:20).
- You promote the well being of others via your tongue (Prov. 12:18).
- You walk with wise people (Prov. 13:20).
- You use knowledge rightly (Prov. 15:2).
- You disperse knowledge with your lips (Prov. 15:7).
- You are prudent (Prov. 16:21).
- You practice self-control (Prov. 16:23).
- You are not led astray by wine or strong drink (Prov. 20:1).
- You are impartial (Prov. 24:23).
- You are not wise in your own eyes (Prov. 26:12).
- You do not trust in your own heart (Prov. 28:26).
- You exercise self-control (Prov. 29:11).
How much joy do you bring to the heart of your Heavenly Father?
